An 11-term Republican congressman from Kentucky will not seek a 12th term in office.
Ed Whitfield, representing the first congressional district in Kentucky, announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2016.
“Representing the people of the 1st District for 21 years has been an honor,” said Whitfield in a statement. “I will cherish forever the countless opportunities to work with them to nurture and strengthen the 35 counties comprising Kentucky’s First District.”
“Among many memorable achievements,” Whitfield continued, “I am particularly proud of helping to establish the Federal Health Benefit Program for employees of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant; creating a national forest at Land between the Lakes; providing much needed funding for our troops at Fort Campbell; promoting the utilization of our abundant fossil fuels; and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.”
In March, the House Ethics Committee announced a probe into whether Whitfield inappropriately assisted in the lobbying effort of his wife, who works for the Humane Society of the United States. Whitfield has denied any wrongdoing.
Whitfield has served as a Kentucky congressman since 1995. He won 73 percent of the vote to represent his district in 2014.
